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The property located at 1510 Reeves Avenue has been found in violation of two city code provisions. Judge Jerry Ryan ruled Friday, August 16, that owner Mary Weaver be fined $125 per violation per day until the repairs are made.

The property at one time had been known as Councell’s Corner and had also been operated as a motor coach inn.

Tammy Stockton of the City of Mena Code Enforcement said this battle has been on-going since May of 2012 and she is grateful for the ruling. “If something isn’t done, we’ll follow the process through to have it condemned…that process takes a few months but we feel we certainly have grounds.”

Stockton said that the city has received numerous complaints from neighboring property owners, including adjacent business, Kess’ Korner.

The property has been cited for “unsafe structure” and “inoperable vehicle.”

Stockton began contacting the property owner in May of 2012 and said that the grass has been mowed but no other repairs or improvements were ever made. Stockton said the building has numerous holes in the roof, broken windows, and is filled with vermin along with junk that is molded and rusting, besides being an eyesore. Stockton said they have made every effort to work with the property owner to avoid legal proceedings but no solution was every maintained.

The original citation was issued September 18, 2012 and was set for trial in November twice that year but the property owner would request delays due to health issues.

In court Friday, Bob Keeter entered a “no contest” on behalf of Weaver before Ryan issued his ruling. City Attorney Danny Thrailkill told The Pulse that before the gavel had rapped on Friday, a local contractor had contacted his office regarding demolition but Thrailkill would not confirm if the contractor had been secured by Weaver. Until then, fines continue to accrue at $250 per day.

Stockton said that her office is cracking down on other properties as well, saying that she plans to issue another five to six citations later this week.